Mumbai, Oct 31: Mumbai Customs officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) seized two endangered silvery gibbons (Hylobates moloch) from a passenger arriving from Bangkok.

Tragically, one of the primates was found dead, while the other was rescued alive.

Acting on specific intelligence, customs officers intercepted the passenger on Wednesday and conducted a thorough examination of his baggage. During the search, they discovered the gibbons—aged approximately two and four months—concealed inside a basket hidden within a trolley bag.

An official stated, "During baggage examination, we found two gibbons, one two-month-old and the other four-month-old, concealed in a basket inside a trolley bag. The passenger was arrested under the Customs Act and the Wildlife (Protection) Act."

The silvery gibbons are native to Indonesia's Java Island and are listed as "endangered" by the IUCN, as fewer than 2,500 are left in the wild. Highlighting the severe cruelty of such smuggling attempts, the official further stated,

"The fatality rate during air travel is higher for mammals. Even if they endure this travel and although the end customer of the syndicate may provide best facilities for these exotic pets, the survival rate of such species outside their indigenous habitat is very less."

The case underscores the persistent threat posed by international syndicates to critically endangered species, which are often smuggled to be sold as exotic pets.

Such heinous acts lead to immense animal suffering and push vulnerable species closer to extinction.

In a separate operation, Customs also arrested another passenger with 7.970 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana) worth Rs 7.97 crore, who had come from Bangkok.

According to the official, the narcotic substance was hidden inside the checked-in trolley bag of the passenger.

(The article is compiled by Sai)